June 19th Projected Smoke Impacts for the Dog Head and North Fires

Dog Head Fire: Higher humidity minimized fire activity overnight. Growth similar to yesterday is expected as we return to hot, dry and unstable weather conditions. Smoke impacts are expected near the fire with the potential for smoke to be transported into middle Rio Grande Valley. Winds will be light and variable throughout the day with an increase during the evening when it will become breezy again.

North Fire: East/South East winds are expected today. Similar weather conditions from yesterday are expected and smoke production during the day will increase as day time heating and winds pick up. Smoke may settle in the Plains of St. Augustin again this evening.

Yesterday, Saturday, June 18, 2016 the City of Albuquerque’s Environmental Health Department issued an Air Quality Health Alert due to wildfire smoke. This health alert remains in effect today, Sunday, June 19 through Monday, June 20, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Smoke will reach the Albuquerque metro area Sunday from the Dog Head Fire southeast of Albuquerque, and more wildfire smoke may reach Albuquerque late Sunday evening and linger into Monday morning. More information about this alert can be found at: buff.ly/

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Remember, in areas without an air quality monitor, your eyes are your best tools to determine if it’s safe to be outside. As a rule of thumb, if visibility is over five miles, the air quality is generally good. However, no matter how far one can see, if individuals are having health effects from smoke exposure, they are advised to take extra care to stay inside or get to an area with better air quality and to also see a doctor or healthcare professional as needed. For guidance on distances and visibility and how to protect your health from smoke, please visit www.nmtracking.org/fire.

DISCLAIMER: Conditions may change quickly. These projections are based on anticipated weather and fire activity.